Mumbai, February 12 – In a stern rebuke, the Bombay High Court on Thursday delivered a clear message to fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya: no return to India means no leniency from the court. The bench, led by Chief Justice Chandreshwar, emphasized that anyone deliberately evading judicial processes cannot expect equitable relief.
The court was hearing Mallya’s petition challenging the constitutional validity of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, and his declaration as a fugitive. Despite strong reservations, the judges granted him one last opportunity to clarify his intentions regarding returning to the country.
‘You must come back,’ the court stated firmly during the proceedings. ‘If you don’t return, we cannot entertain your plea. You’re avoiding court processes, so you can’t seek relief. Out of fairness, we’re not dismissing the case yet and are giving you another chance.’ The next hearing was scheduled for the following week.
This development underscores India’s ongoing crackdown on economic offenders. The Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing back high-profile fugitives like Mallya and Lalit Modi through legal channels.
In Parliament, Finance State Minister Pankaj Chaudhary revealed that as of October 31, 2025, 15 individuals have been declared fugitive economic offenders. Nine of them face charges of massive fraud against public sector banks, causing a principal loss of ₹26,645 crore, with interest accruing to ₹31,437 crore. Recoveries stand at ₹19,187 crore so far.
Mallya has consistently denied the allegations of financial irregularities. Recently, he questioned the government and banks over conflicting recovery figures and demanded an inquiry by a retired judge.
The court’s ultimatum places Mallya at a crossroads. Will he finally face justice in India, or continue his exile in the UK? The nation’s resolve against economic fugitives remains unwavering, signaling that no one is above the law.